But Democrat Barack Obama has moved out to a 10-point lead over Republican John McCain in the presidential contest.

A month ago, after the Republican National Convention, Rasmussen’s figures showed a tightening presidential race, and put Rossi in the lead over Gregoire by a margin of 52 percent to 46 percent.

The latest poll shows Washington deeply and evenly divided over who should lead it over the next four years. The cost of this year’s gubernatorial race, money raised by candidates plus front groups, is rapidly approaching $30 million.

According to Rasmussen, Gregoire is viewed favorably by 51 percent of voters, while 47 percent have a negative opinion of the state’s chief executive. The figures for Rossi — 50 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable.

A total of 43 percent of those surveyed said Gregoire is doing an “excellent” or “good” job as governor: 35 percent pegged her performance as “poor.”

The candidates will debate next on Thursday, Oct. 9th, in Spokane. Former Vice President Al Gore will appear Oct. 24 to raise money for Gregoire in Seattle.